Creamy Beef and Shells

Comfort food at its finest — tender pasta shells in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with savory ground beef and melty cheddar cheese. Quick, family-friendly, and seriously satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup with simple ingredients.
• Ultra Creamy & Cheesy: Rich tomato-cream sauce hugs every pasta shell.
• Fast & Family-Approved: On the table in under 40 minutes.
• Customizable: Add veggies or swap the protein — it’s super flexible.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz medium pasta shells
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil

How To Make It:

1. Cook Pasta:
   Boil pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Brown the Beef:
   Add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add Garlic:
   Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Make the Sauce:
   Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Simmer:
   Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
7. Finish the Dish:
   Stir in the cooked pasta shells and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.
8. Taste & Serve:
   Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Notes & Variations:

• Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, peas, or bell peppers during the last few minutes.
• Swap Proteins: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work great too.
• Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.

Quick Info:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: ~500 per serving

Serving Ideas:

Pair with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.